1). Please tell us more about Michael Fossati. Who is this guy and what does he do?

I am a music lover since being a teenager when electronic music got a hold of me. But music was a hobby all the time, I always had a regular job. Currently I’m doing IT security related work for a large Swiss bank. My daytime job and the hobby keep me literally busy around the clock…

2). Tell us more about your musical journey? What lead to you taking that route than anything else?

In the beginning when I was a teenager (the early to mid 80’s) I was just listening and buying the stuff that was played on radio. Gladly in the mid 80’s I got introduced to other music genres. The problem was these genres were only played in smaller clubs and only rarely could be heard on radio, so it took a few friends to introduce me to it. This is when I discovered black music and fell in love with it – since then, I listen regularly to r&b, soul and rap/hip-hop – and become a house fanatic…

3). Clearly this was all spawned from a love of music. What does music mean to you?

Music means the world to me… music – beside my family and friends – is the thing that kept me going on, both in good and bad times - especially in times where I was trying to find my way and struggled with life. It is a way to express myself.

4). Is the music industry as glamorous as most people tend to think it is?

I don’t think so. People are dazzled by those few that made it to stardom. The majority of artists never make it to that level; however the mainstream media usually covers only the superstars and present a wrong picture of the industry.

5). Which genre of music do you specialize in and which is your personal favorite?

My true love is house music. As there are so many different styles within that genre, I should say soulful/vocal/traditional/deep house. For a period of time, I was also into the more techy stuff, but that has settled down.

6). Now that we have an idea of you are, tell us more about Spirit of House. What was the reason for you starting the concept? Has it achieved what you initially planned out to do?

I started Spirit of House in 1996. At that time, I was actually more interested in understanding how to create a website then the content itself. But this changed soon as this gave me the opportunity to express my love for soulful house music.

It took me a couple of years to get the recognition that I felt the site deserves. In some way, I achieved more than I ever dreamed of as I am well respected in the house community on a global level – most of the global players are familiar with the site and my name, and Spirit of House itself can even be considered a brand.

7). Any brands or producers or DJs that have benefited or that have launched their careers from Spirit Of House?

I think quite a few labels, artists and producers have benefited from Spirit of House being a stepping stone for them – as a matter of fact, I do love to introduce my readers and listeners to fresh blood (big labels or artists such as Defected or Dennis Ferrer don’t need this kind of support). I heard from some of them that reviews on the site helped to boost sales and created a general interest from the public.

8). I’m sure a lot of DJ s would like to have the kind of access you have to music. I must admit I envy you. How do you get the music? Do you source out or is it hand delivered on a platter?

Most of the music I get sent directly from labels, artists or producers, either on CD or as digital download (the time of vinyl is definitely over). There are also companies that do promotion on behalf of the labels which send me stuff. I check it all out on my own which takes a lot of time every week given the amount of music I get…

I do also regularly buy music; however only what I get sent is considered for a review on my website.

9). On that note, maybe you could tell us what goes into a great mix. Would you say that the public is being “fed” good music? What is your general impression of the state of urban dance music?

You are there to entertain the people - you could say you tell them a story through the selection of music and the way you put it together (create the mix). I believe there should be a certain flow, and you must feel when its time to change that flow to keep the people interested and entertained.

Everyone has a different understanding what ‘good’ music is; for me personally there is not enough good music being played. But then again, I guess I do no represent the mainstream and would consider myself closer to the underground scene…

I have mixed emotions regarding the state of dance music… I do believe in progress and changes being a good thing as music needs to evolve to stay of interest and explore new grounds, but some of the recent changes I do feel have a really bad impact. For example, the digitalization means that everyone now can make his product available to anyone at almost no cost. This leads to too much music released nowadays, with way too many of them being simply average if not bad or – to say the truth – crap.

10). What about time with family and friends – How do you manage that?

I am single, so no problems on the family front… with respect to my friends, having a full time job and an extensive hobby means that there isn’t much time left for other things. Of course I spend lots of time with my friends, but one thing I don’t find time for is doing sports…

11). Given your insight into what’s fresh on the music scene, what do you think the trend for this season will be? Has the economic climate affected your pocket?

One of the trends we currently see is South African producers and artists getting a global breakthrough. Personally I’m surprised it took until 2010 for this to happen given that labels such as MAW did pick up on them a few years back already…

Otherwise I don’t expect too much to happen in the house music scene. I think we continue to be flooded with tons of fresh music (both good and bad), and house music will stay multifaceted.

12). Have you ever been stalked?

Gladly not… might have to do with the fact that I’m mostly a “bedroom DJ” and only rarely play out in clubs, and then its smaller venues “for those who know”…

13). Have you had any awkward moments with fans? Have you performed at an event that made you go”WTF???”

This never happened to me. Probably the biggest problem I face is with jealous people sending me emails and asking to send them the music they can’t find anywhere…

14). You’ve achieved so much, what’s in store from Michael Fossati? What aspirations do you have?

With me turning 40 years old just a few weeks ago and doing “Spirit of House” for around 15 years, I think it is time to think about what my future should look like… definitely, starting a family will be one of my priorities… so I can’t really tell what in terms of “Spirit of House” is ahead… only time will tell.

15). Do you think that it should be a natural progression to produce your own music from being a DJ? Or do you think some people are best suited as being DJs only and some people should just produce music?

I think all of the combinations work. It depends where you heart and skills are. When getting into production, a DJ will learn a lot about how to write and arrange songs etc. When becoming a DJ, a producer will be at the forefront of what’s hip and what’s not.

16). How may budding producers or DJs get in touch with you, should they be interested in working with you?

Every now and then I get contacted by upcoming DJs or producers. DJs usually ask how to get advance access to music; producers mostly are looking in getting a record deal or having a review on Spirit of House. I’m happy to give them some advice and if their music is good do a review.

17). Give us your view on the South African music you heard at WMC this year?

I think the global breakthrough of South African house music came at this years WMC. They had a huge presence, some parties hat a clear focus on South Africa, its music and DJ’, not to forget to mention that Black Coffee’s “Superman” could be heard almost everywhere.